Student Cognitive Styles in Postsecondary Technology Programs

Much of the published research on cognitive styles focuses on the differences in cognitive styles of students pursuing different majors in either a four year in- stitution or a two year institution. For example, Witkin, et al. (1977) con- ducted a ten year longitudinal study in four year institutions which sought to determine if field dependence/independence was related to a student's (1) initial major choice (science, education, and other) and final degree major and (2) achievement in various major courses. The study determined that the selection of a major was influenced by cognitive styles and that students who initially selected majors that required a particular cognitive style which was different than their own were more likely to change to a major which complemented their cognitive style. The study also found a tendency for students to receive higher grades in fields that were compatible with their cognitive style.